"The digital economy cuts across all sectors and has resulted in the emergence of new hybrid sectors such as FinTech, AgriTech, and TravelTech. In all sectors, new digitally enabled roles will continue to emerge as technology develops, and jobs that were previously considered non-digital will all require some level of digital economy skills." The term digital economy describes a connected economy, which includes every business that uses technology to communicate, create, consume, innovate, and trade. The report also acknowledges challenges; "Digital economy skills shortages and gaps are acutely felt by employers across the Scottish labour market, with jobs like software developers in high demand, and basic digital skills lacking in many workplaces." Against this backdrop, it is vital children develop the skills needed to effectively understand and use digital technologies in their day-to-day life. Learning this from a young age can help to prepare pupils for the world of work. As well as learning technical skills, digital learning develops other very important skills such as creativity, problem-solving, innovation and critical thinking. What can industry do to help? This is where DYW comes into play, as we connect employers with education so that young people develop the skills needed for the workplace. With a focus on digital skills across Scotland, we have some exciting projects and different ways employers can get involved. One project, launched in Glasgow and the surrounding areas, is bringing Digital Critical Friends into schools. A collaborative development between DYW and Scotland IS has seen this project test and learn ways in which volunteers from the digital economy can add value in the classroom. Examples include working with educators to influence and support the curriculum, supporting educator professional development, and providing insights and inspiration for pupils and all whilst experiencing the benefits of doing so, including making invaluable connections to their future talent pipeline. Collaboration in the classroom with an employer can span over different subject areas in school. In East Lothian, the principal scientist for Canon Medical, Magnus Wahrenberg, hosted a workshop on the use of ultrasound scanners and a talk on his career pathway for S3 Physics pupils. Two groups of interested pupils then took their learning forward via further research on the 1st Doppler Effect, over several weeks, corresponding via the teacher with the lead scientist and preparing a presentation for feedback. Feedback from the curriculum lead for Science to Magnus, said, “The pupils have gained so much from this experience, and it is clear some are interested in this field. Having your comments will encourage them to focus on more real-life situations when completing similar presentations in the future.” Another collaborative project with DYW, SDS, Digital Skills Education and employers, resulted in the development of ‘A toolkit for employers offering young people technology work experiences’ with some fantastic hints and tips, ideas for how to structure the work placement, and overcoming challenges like access to systems and agile working. More broadly, led by SDS, many partners have come together to deliver the Tech Industry In Schools resources. Digital economy apprenticeships are now recognised as a mainstream contributor to the supply of digital professionals. Why not start with a learning experience for pupils, whilst they are still at school, through Foundation Apprenticeships. Aligned to roles in the digital economy, pupils gain access to work experience whilst focusing their learning on a subject area such as Software Development, Hardware and System Support, Creative and Digital Media and Business Skills. Find out more at apprenticeships.scot Through DYW activity, tens of thousands of young people are being exposed to digital skills and career insight and experiences delivered by employers across Scotland. Some through careers events and others in classrooms or the employer's workplace; at all stages of education. To continue this inspirational activity which ultimately impacts on the sector and digital economy, we need more employers to get involved. Whether you have an hour, up to a day or more time to offer – there is something for everyone, why not chat to your DYW Regional Group or contact us for a discussion nationally. Thank you for reading this article. If you would like to see more DYW-related news, stay in touch by following us on X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Comments are closed.
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